Barmby tames Wednesday

By Rob Stewart

12:01AM BST 10 Aug 2005

Sheffield Wednesday 1 (1) Hull City (1) 1

Nick Barmby, the former England international, rolled back the years with a sublime goal for Hull that ensured these two newly promoted sides enjoyed a share of the spoils in this Yorkshire derby at a vibrant Hillsborough.

Leon Best put Wednesday ahead on his home debut with a sweetly struck goal in the eighth minute. The striker, on a month's loan from Southampton, demonstrated composure that belied his 18 years when he swept the ball past Boaz Myhill from 10 yards, following Glenn Whelan's low, driven cross into the penalty area.

Barmby, 31, put Hull level with another cracking goal midway through the first half thanks to a move that he initiated. Barmby headed the ball back to captain Ian Ashbee who nodded on to Craig Fagan and he flicked on to Barmby who volleyed past David Lucas from 12 yards out after continuing his run into the box.

He was booked for his exuberant celebrations in front of the 4,000 travelling supporters but shortly afterwards he cleverly picked out Leon Cort with a corner and his header seemed destined to put the visitors ahead only for right back Frankie Simek to clear off the line.

Hull's Stuart Elliott tested Lucas with a volley as Hull pressed forward and Wednesday suffered a further setback before half-time when Best hobbled off.

Paul Sturrock's side, soon to be bolstered by the signing of veteran striker Steve Claridge, briefly re-asserted themselves after the break and Craig Rocastle forced Myhill to save smartly.

Jason Price should have put Hull ahead but after rounding Lucas his goal-bound shot was cleared off the line by Graeme Lee.

Chris Eagles, the Wednesday winger on loan from Manchester United, almost scored in the 68th minute with a swerving shot that went narrowly wide.

Overall, Hull looked likeliest to prosper in the Championship and Elliott should have hit the winner, but the Ulsterman missed a sitter when he drove the ball wide.

Adam Proudlock followed suit for Wednesday and Myhill kept out a late Simek shot, thus ensuring both sides remain undefeated, but also without a win, so far.